Bella Filati

www.bellafilati.com

The preponderance of visitors to the Sandhills of North Carolina go in search of par at one of the more than forty golf courses around Pinehurst.  Not Garmina and me.  We went in search of yarn and we were definitely not disappointed.

The sumptuous window display at 275-B NE Broad Street in Southern Pines, NC, drew us into a spacious shop with natural wood walls and fixtures.  The neutral décor of the shop beautifully showcased the yarns, which captured the eye at every turn.   Completed  project samples adorned the tops of the cabinets.  A wide selection of accessories was attractively displayed.

 A small room at the rear of the store offered a plethora of books and patterns as well as yarn.  A small table and chairs invited perusal.

Having the large “teaching” table prominently placed in the main area of the shop is indicative of the importance Bella Filati places on education. In addition to the usual beginning level knitting and crochet classes, the shop offers many project classes, some tied to designer trunk shows. Staff members are available for on the spot problem solving during business hours.  Workshops taught by internationally known designers and teachers are part of Bella Filati’s educational emphasis.  Check www.bellafilati.com/knitting-class-schedule.asp for a sample of the impressive activities for autumn, 2008.

My most recent trip to Bella Filati convinced me once again that an afternoon spent at Bella Filati is well worth the one and one-half hour drive to get there.

I’ll be off for some R&R for the next two weeks. I’m hoping to include much “research” while I’m gone so I’ll have lots to tell when I return.  In the meantime…..

Keep those needles and hooks flyin’

The Yarn Adventurer

The Tail Spinner

www.tail-spinner.com

Garmina and I have discovered that it is not necessary to go to a city to find an interesting yarn shop.  Richlands, NC has a population of approximately one thousand people.  Definitely off the beaten path, it’s near Half Moon, not too far from Kinston and only a little bit further away from Jacksonville.  It’s downtown reminds me of small towns in the 1950’s.  But wander down North Wilmington Street and you’ll discover the Tail Spinner.  And it’s a lovely discovery.

The Tail Spinner serves the needs of knitters, crocheters, dyers, spinners, weavers and needle felters.  A large selection of yarn, roving, spinning wheels, looms, etc.  awaits the enthusiast.  In addition to the tools of each trade, classes are offered in a room large enough to accommodate an entire class comfortably.  

Scattered around the shop are the most amazing needle felted puppets.    Hiding behind this wonderful dinosaur head is Melissa Gray, the fabulous needle-felting artist who created it.  Melissa has exhibited her work at many fiber festivals and has won many prizes for her artistry.  My pictures do not do the puppets justice.  You simply have to see them for yourself.  

 If you’re ever North Carolina beach bound, treat yourself.  Take a detour to Richlands to visit the Tail Spinner.

Keep those needles and hooks flyin’

The Yarn Adventurer

Gadgetry

I am a patsy for gadgetry.  I admit it.  Doesn’t matter its purpose.    It doesn’t even have to be practical.  I’ve always thought Rube Goldberg has some seriously cool stuff. 

If it looks intriguing, I’m captured.  I am the conduit through which (Dare I say it?) junk passes on its way to Goodwill, the Salvation Army Store, Restore, etc.

Sometimes I think I’m the unemployed equivalent of a test laboratory.  And the gizmos are not limited to the kitchen, the bathroom or any other room.  I have assembled a very nice collection of intriguing knitting and crochet gadgets.  Some have become every day essentials; some reside on the “Island of Discarded Stuff”.

On my recent trip to the TKGA/CGOA Conference in Portland, Oregon, I discovered several “hard to live withouts” on the Show Market Floor. I love items that are both functional and a feast for the eyes.

Among the other non-fiber related art pieces they make, glassworkers Sheila and Michael Ernst, www.glasspens.com, create absolutely beautiful knitting needles,  crochet hooks, shawl pins, stitch markers, beads, etc. out of glass.  And we must not forget the “Don’t Drop Spindle”.  Truly amazing! 

Terry Lavallee, of Bluster Bay Woodworks in Sandpoint, Idaho, creates lovely wooden textile tools—swifts, winders, etc.  I was particularly impressive with this vertical swift.  picIt took up so little space and worked so smoothly.

Known for prize winning fleeces and cashmere and mohair yarn, Cynthia & Karl Heeren of Hokulani Farms in Bend, Oregon tickled my funny bone with their fabulous string puppets.

Ah, were there only enough days in the year (and cash in the bank) to attend more fiber festivals and conferences.  What you learn and what you see so broaden one’s world!

Keep those hooks and needles flyin’

The Yarn Adventurer

YARNIA

www.yarniapdx.com

When traveling to a conference, I always try to schedule my arrival at least one day prior to the opening bell in order to examine the city.  (Read that as visit yarn shops.)  I’m currently contemplating tacking on a day afterwards as well.  One day just isn’t enough time.

Although I’ve certainly contemplated packing Garmina and renting a car when I’m traveling to a far-distant city, it’s not my preferred mode of travel.  Frequently, and this trip was no exception, the cab rides are half the fun.  Despite knowing the location of this shop, there is absolutely no way I could have found it on my own.  Plus cab drivers are a fount of information about their cities.  And their entertainment value certainly impacts their tips.

Tucked under a flight of stairs at the corner of SE Division Street and 42^nd Avenue in Portland, Oregon, is a most interesting yarn experience. Yarnia bills itself as Portland’s Only DIY (Do-It-Yourself) Yarn Shop.  And that’s exactly what it is.  You design your own yarn.

 This little shop is filled with a multitude of cones of single

plies of yarn.  You choose the material whether it’s wool, acrylic, rayon, silk, etc.  You choose the colors you want to use. And there is a vast array from which to choose.   Grab a pair of needles or a crochet hook–they’re there just waiting for you–and work up a swatch.  Like the result?  Decide how much you need and it will be wound for you.  Want to try something else?  You’re welcome to do so.  I was like a kid let loose in a candy store.

After much “I’ll take this one” -  “No, I think I’ll do this one”, I finally assembled several cones of green wool and one cone of pink lurex.  

And here’s the result: 

 I’ve swatched a few different basic stitches but have yet to settle on the ultimate project. 

If you’re not the DIY type, you can choose from many already wound cones.  These are also available through Yarnia’s website.  All yarn is sold by weight and the prices per ounce are clearly displayed.  I was amazed at how economical the yarn was! 

 If you’re ever in Portland, drop by.  I guarantee you’ll have fun.

Keep those needles and hooks flyin’

The Yarn Adventurer

I was unexpectedly called out of town and in the rush to get ready I neglected to bring my pictures for my post.  Please, be patient with me.  I’ll post as soon as I get home.

Keep those needles & hooks flyin’

The Yarn Adventurer

Things Found Along the Way

Yarn is not the only thing that fascinates me.  I cannot resist the accessory display in any yarn shop.  Occasionally, something unusual pops out.

And I must confess that I’ve been known to ogle on many occasions.  That was precisely how I was introduced to the gorgeous hooks of John Brammer.  A friend was using them at the CGOA conference in New Hampshire.  One look and I was intrigued.  Each hook is more beautiful than the other.  

One session working with them and I was sunk.  Being primarily a knitter, these old hands rebel after crocheting for a while.     But not with John Brammer’s hooks.  The “hook” of the crochet hook is a Susan Bates hook.  Mr. Brammer adds a resin called Dymondwood to the handle, which extends the length of the hook approximately one-half inch.  What a difference it made for my aching hands!  And the fact that the hooks are wonderfully well balanced made a huge difference for me.  I think the resin handle is smoother to the touch than wood.  I also love the fact that each hook is a different color combination.  It makes it easy to spot the one you need. They’re just a dream to work with.

Mr. Brammer makes other interesting yarn-related goodies.  The needle case is large enough to hold several Chibi ™ needles and fits in my very exotic accessory bag (an old Altoids™ tin). I’ve not tried the scissor case but it may soon go on my wish list.  His wooden yarn winder comes with complete instructions.

Other items Mr. Brammer makes include baby rattles, bracelet helpers, business card holders, compacts, pill boxes, magnifying glasses, letter openers, fan pulls, make-up brushes, rolling pins, small purse mirrors, various kinds of stainless steel kitchen ware with Dymondwood handles, back scratchers, shoe horns, laminated peppermills and a wide assortment of ball point pens.

Unfortunately, Mr. Brammer does not have a website.  If you’d like more information about his hooks and other products, he can be reached at johnbrammer@cox.net.  His photographs show up very well on email and he’ll graciously give you all the information you need. 

If you’re dying to see this stuff in person, Mr. Brammer also sells his hooks, etc. at craft shows.   He will be at the Northern Virginia Christmas Market, at the Dulles Expo Center, located in Chantilly, VA, on November 14^th, 15^th and 16^th as well as at The Bizarre Bazaar 33^rd Christmas Collection, located at the Richmond Raceway Complex, in Richmond, VA, on December 4^th, 5^th, 6^th and 7^th.

I am very pleased to report that my web guru has performed all the necessary magic and the Romance Renaissance Vest pattern is finally available at www.knitlikejane.com.  Again, thank you to all that offered all those wonderful name suggestions.

While in Portland, OR for The Knitting Guild of America (TKGA) National Conference/ The Crochet Guild of America (CGOA) Regional Conference, I came across a unique yarn shop concept.  I’ll tell you all about it next week.

Keep those hooks and needles flyin’

The Yarn Adventurer

The Yarn Basket

www.yarnbasketpa.com

When Garmina led me to a rather non-descript farmhouse at 150 Falling Spring Road in Chambersburg, PA, my expectations were subdued. The Yarn Basket definitely proved that you can’t tell a book by its cover.  Not that the cover was anything bad, it just didn’t reveal in any way what treasures were inside. Room after room after room were stocked with an incredible variety of yarns, accessories, patterns, tote bags and tools. I’d speculate that they offer yarns from close to fifty different companies.  I believe that the only place I’ve seen more bags offered is at TNNA!  And patterns support was evident everywhere.

  I was approached, I think, by at least four staff members eager to help.  Watching the manner in which these women interacted with their customers gave me the impression that the staff was knowledgeable and that the customers were loyal.  And this shop was BUSY!  It’s not often that my most frequent task during a yarn stop is to excuse myself to prevent bumping into another yarn enthusiast.

As with any good yarn shop, a variety of class offerings was posted.  A separate room with a large rectangular table and at least nine comfortable chairs promised to be a great place to learn.

As I was a long way from home, my intention upon entering was to spend a brief time, maybe thirty minutes at most, and then be on my way.  Such was not the case.  The Yarn Basket proffered far too many interesting things for a cursory glance.  An hour and a half later I lugged my purchases to the car.  So much for stopping for lunch.

I’m off to Portland, Oregon, for the TKGA  (The Knitting Guild of America) national conference this week.  I probably won’t get to post until the week after I get back, but I’ll tell all.  Oh, the call of The Market!

Keep those hooks and needles flyin”

The Yarn Adventurer

        The Joys of Computing

Sometimes the intricacies of technology evade me.  Let me assure you that most of the time I love all the new laborsaving devices.  But there are those times…! 

Sunday, as I promised, I asked my computer guru to upload the new pattern to KnitLikeJane.com.  His responding email arrived.  I opened it with great anticipation only to learn that my document publishing company was “having some issues” which they hoped to have resolved shortly.  I don’t know what their definition of shortly is; but, the issued has yet to be resolved and, therefore, the pattern’s not up. 

I won’t keep you in suspense any longer.  The winning name for the vest is “Renaissance Romance”. Congratulations once again to Ava Patton, Kris Perkowski, Jodi Pilatowski and Darlene Tepe for their fabulous ideas.  (If any of you winners has not received my email, please, contact me at jane@knitlikejane.com.)

So that’s how the week started.  Then, my laptop periodically refused to respond to my commands.  Now it’s bad enough when one’s children behave like that, but the computer?   I paid a lot of money for that thing to do exactly as I say.  (Sometimes that’s the problem.  It does what I tell it to do; not what I want it to do.)

When the computer screamed at me and then went totally mum, I sought expert advice.  My computer guru took a look and determined it had a short in it.  “Fixable?” I naively asked.  “Not worth it on a computer this old,” was the unfortunate reply. 

After the initial reaction (DISASTER!!!!), I realized that an opportunity had presented itself.  For what seems like an eon, I’ve been very frustrated with my PC or to be more accurate I’ve been VERY frustrated with Microsoft™.  The Vista operating system was the camel-breaking straw.  (The only advantage I’ve found with Vista is that it allowed me to verbalize many, many previously unused words that usually appear in print as something like !&! %#@*!.)

Additionally, many of the things I do on a computer require that I create graphics.  This can be a very convoluted experience on a PC. To be fair, I’m sure that there are many users that find doing graphics very simple on a PC.  I’m not in that club.

So it was research and decide time.  Off I went to the Apple store. This in itself was a time eater.  I live an hour’s drive from the Apple store.   The staff was very tolerant of this Mac Know-Nothing.  The salesperson never once tried to “sell me”.   She asked a lot of questions, answered a lot of questions, had me play with a few different machines, etc. 

I went home to think.  Many things to consider: the expense, which machine, and then there’s the daunting thought of The Learning Curve.  After many hours of “Yes, I shall” – “No, I shan’t”, I now have a brand new I-Mac. (I’d show you a picture but I haven’t quite mastered that part of I-photo.) I’m still at the low end of the learning curve, but I have yet to issue any of those aforementioned expletives.  That alone is a big improvement in my life.

All this is by way of explanation.  With all my computer issues I wasn’t able to grab the venti and have my weekly S-E-X (Stash Enhancement Experience).  I intend to make up for it this week.

Keep those needles and hooks flyin’

The Yarn Adventurer

The Yarn Garden

www.yarngardenpa.com

One of the pleasures of driving hither and yon is getting to stop along the way for educational purposes. (Read that as to explore yarn shops.)  A yarn shop directory and Garmina  can truly lead me into temptation as far as my budget is concerned. 

Having gotten an early start on my journey that lovely summer morning, I was due for a coffee break just as I neared Carlisle, PA. Ah the lure of the venti decaf. A quick check of the shop directories confirmed that in the historic part of the city a yarn shop was waiting to be explored.

Charming best describes The Yarn Garden.  The shop lives at 10 West Pomfret Street in a lovely old colonial house in “Olde” Carlisle.    How lucky for me that the shop is open on Mondays!

Upon exploration, the shop’s name was obvious.  In the rear of the shop a door opens onto a lovely, tranquil garden patio.  What a wonderfully inviting spot to sit and knit or crochet!  I understand that during the summer, special evenings events are held out there as well.

The shop’s three rooms exuded warmth and comfort—places to work or just visit, cordial shopkeepers to provide help and inspiration and a wonderful variety of yarns, books and accessories.

In addition to the shop’s three main rooms, a closet between two of the rooms has been transformed into a repository of yarn.  CUTE as well as inviting.  And I love the way they display their buttons.

In toto, The Yarn Garden is the kind of shop I would want to frequently visit if I lived in the area.  It certainly will be on my revisit list the next time I’m in that area.

I apologize that it has taken so long to announce the winner of the “Name the Vest” contest.  The suggestions were so fabulous that selecting a winner was really HARD!  In the end four names combined to form the title.  I hoped to make the announcement and post the pattern on www.knitlikejane.com simultaneously.  Well, barring any unforeseen technical difficulties—and you know those are rampant in our computer-dependent world—the pattern with name should be available online as this post goes up.  If not, be patient, for surely it will appear in a day or two.  These things are just out of my control.  Please, mentally whisper nice things about my web guru so the planets will align, will be in the right house, etc.

Kudos to the winners:  Ava Patton, Kris Perkowski, Jodi Pilatowski and Darlene Tepe.  Thank you for being my personal muses.

Keep those hooks and needles flyin’

The Yarn Adventurer

CGOA/ TKGA

www.crochet.org

www.tkga.com

Are you familiar with CGOA, The Crochet Guild of America, and/or TKGA, The Knitting Guild of America? I invite you to check them out.  Each organization offers wonderful educational opportunities. Among other benefits, membership includes a subscription to a pertinent magazine:  Crochet for CGOA and Cast On for TKGA.   Each year these two organizations hold two joint conferences.  Each is the national conference of one organization and the regional conference of the other.  TKGA will hold its national conference next month in Portland, Oregon.

 CGOA held its national conference in Manchester, New Hampshire, last month.  Although the conference officially ran from Thursday through Sunday, it was preceded on Wednesday by CGOA Professional Development Day, focusing this year on publishing.  Classes taught by some of the industry’s best were held on Thursday, Friday, Saturday and Sunday.  Students from all over the world got to choose from the 91 different classes offered.

A crochet design contest held prior to the conference climaxed with the announcement of the winners.  I don’t know how the judges selected the winners.   Here’s Patricia Williams’ grand prize winning wedding dress.  The picture doesn’t do it justice.  It is absolutely GORGEOUS!!!

Not to diminish the significance of the educational or social aspects of the weekend in any way,  but by now you know me well enough to know where I did my drooling —The One Market!  With forty-one different exhibitors offering delectable temptations the market is almost overwhelming.  Some were old friends and some were new.  The Bag Smith folks were there with their fabulous bags and gigantic needles and hooks. (See the TNNA post for a more complete description.)    Most of the exhibitors were local yarn shops—some from as far away as Pennsylvania. 

Not mentioning a vendor in no way reflects on the quality of the display or offerings of others.  Some things just hit home.  One was this lovely necklace  by jewelry artist, Leslie Wind, www.lesliewind.com.    Here’s the kicker—it’s not only a necklace; it’s a cable needle.  No more searching for the cable needle when you need it.   Check out the available styles and the instructional video that appear on the blog www.darcyknottyknitter.blogspot.com.

I was really impressed with Leslie’s talent.  She also makes beautiful shawl pins.  This one serves double duty.  It’s a shawl pin yes, but it also holds your glasses. (Apologies to Leslie for the terrible picture.  I scanned the actual pin and scanners don’t like three-dimensional items very much.) For those of us who are of advancing age, need reading glasses and can never find them despite having a zillion pairs around the house in every spot but where one is, this is a GODSEND!  (I wonder to whom I’m referring.)

Another item I found to be really exciting was the Nantucket Bagg.  This handy-dandy can be used with the pockets inside or out.  I really had a hard time deciding which to purchase.  Finally, practicality triumphed over beauty.  I LOVED the canvas, but the nylon was considerably lighter weight.  (I’m not getting any younger and the stuff I shlepp around isn’t getting any lighter.)  I threw caution to the wind and even plunged for the hot pink.

Lest you think my trips to WEBS provided me with enough yarn to take home, there was this one custom dyer……….  I absolutely loved these yarns from Decadent Fibers, www.decadentfibers.com.   What a dilemma!  Even the wools were soft and gorgeous.  I tried to resist.  I saw them at the Market Preview on Thursday.  I did not buy.  I saw them on Friday.  I did not buy.  By Saturday I was a basket case.  I had to take some to this stuff home.  After much deliberation (about 3½ seconds) I grabbed all the organic cotton I could carry and surrendered my credit card.  It may be the softest yarn I’ve ever fondled. I know exactly what I’m going to make. The design is racing around in my head.   Now to find the time to complete the project and get it up on my KnitLikeJane website.

Knitting and crochet conferences are a terrific experience.  I encourage you to attend one some time.  But beware.  They are addictive.  I’m off to the TKGA National in Portland in less than thirty-three days.  Of course, I’ll tell you all about it afterwards.  In the meantime, I’ve been to some other great shops.  One is on the agenda for next Sunday.

Keep those hooks and needles flyin’

The Yarn Adventurer